The most noteworthy announcements at the start of the league year may have been the early retirements of San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis, Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker and Pittsburgh linebacker Jason Worilds.

How would you react if you came home from work one evening and found your 9-year-old son smoking a cigarette? Would you revoke his cellphone, Internet and TV privileges before, or after you drove him to football practice?

CTE is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head. Typically, it’s been found in football players and boxers, but now a soccer player has become the first in his sport to be publicly named with the disease.

Dorsett says his quality of life is deteriorating along with his memory. And when asked on WFAN radio if he’s dealt with depression or suicidal thoughts, the Hall of Fame running back admitted that yes, he has.

The debate has been swirling now for a number of years. With the recent publication of the book, “League of Denial,” and, more importantly — for our purposes — the “FRONTLINE” documentary of the same name, a more intelligent discussion can be had on the subject.

With more attention being paid these days to the cumulative effects of concussions, WCBS 880 afternoon drive anchor Steve Scott spoke with former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, who talked about his concerns for his own future health.

For NFL players with careers longer than five years, their life expectancy is less than 60. Maybe an incredible 40 beats an indifferent 80. That’s an important choice for us to make. But it is our choice, and it always will be.